Atlanta has largest ticket increase in NFL

FLOWERY BRANCH - The season hasn't started yet, but the Atlanta Falcons already lead the league in one category - largest increase in the price of a ticket.

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According to Chicago-based Team Marketing Report's annual survey, the average cost of a Falcons' ticket this season is up 26.2 percent to $43.71.

The NFC champion Carolina Panthers had the next-biggest increase, raising their average price 18 percent to $50.23.

The Falcons' percentage increase stands out since they had the lowest ticket prices in the league a year ago. Owner Arthur Blank slashed prices after buying the team in 2002, selling season tickets for as low as $10 per game in an effort to boost attendance.

The move paid off. The Falcons announced sellouts for every game last season despite a 5-11 record.

Even with the increase, Atlanta still has the sixth-lowest ticket prices in the league. Only Seattle ($42.80), New Orleans ($42.36), Jacksonville ($40.80), Arizona ($39.72) and Buffalo ($37.13) were lower.

Overall, the average ticket for an NFL game this season will be more than $54, a 4.9 percent increase from 2003.

The Super Bowl champion New England Patriots did not raise prices, but they already had the most expensive average price, $75.33. Two other division winners, the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, held the line on ticket prices, too.